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Climbing and Autism
Climbing as a sport has strong therapeutic qualities for children and adults on the spectrum, with autism or Asperger's syndrome. Traits such as a mismatch between fine and gross motor ability, and hyperactivity, are common and often make it hard to respond to conventional instruction methods.
Wall climbing is an ideal environment for working on these areas: the therapy is disguised as play and as a fun, experiential physical activity. It can be used to improve balance and movement, focus and communication, and body and spatial awareness.
Climbing improves overall muscle tone. In rope-belayed climbing there's a constant need for communication between the climber and the belayer, and that need can be worked on continuously.